Unit got rearended...

[jtphl]

My corolla was rear ended by the dealer, shall I have it replaced or repaired??

It was purely their fault, the unit was brought in for suspension repair. I came to know only the incident when I visited my unit only to see that it has no front bumper, it was removed for repainting. Worse, the Service Advisor says he doesn't know why the bumper was removed. I doubt they are trying to cover the fault and just make it look that nothing happened. Maybe if I didn't bother to visit my unit, I wouldn't get to know it and maybe if I didn't called the customer service and asked them to trace then I wouldn't get to know it, that was the only time that I got the information regarding my bumper getting rear ended in their dealership.

The damage I would say was quite critical part, because it is on the lower grill portion, so on the corner it was pushed inward and at the side there's this bulge caused by that force. On its upper area, there's a round paint crack and slight round mark caused also by the muffler. A repaint and a thin application of body filler would cover the damage temporarily, but what if after 2-3 yrs the damage surfaces, so that will make me obliged to perform the repair at my expense already, and I guess I can avoid back job if I have a brand new bumper, since it perfect and all are intact.

If you are in my place what will you do have the bumper replaced or repaired? and Why?

[rolla-XRS]

Replace it. And make sure they record responsibility for the damage somewhere.

Repainted anything is never the same particularly on the front where it will chip like mad. I would have them (in writing) absolutely guarantee the work for the life of the vehicle. And shower you with gifts - including extended warranty coverage, etc. Who knows what hidden "latent" damage was caused to suspension components, etc.

Not sure if you'd be able to swing it - but what about a factory pre-painted bumper? Might be tough to swing but worth a shot.

I'd be beside myself if a dealer did that...in a murderous rage...

[Svrajam]

This shouldn't even be a question. They're at fault, have them replace it with a brand new part. Don't waste your time having it "repaired." You shouldn't have to ask about this.

[mmasse]

Originally Posted by Svrajam

This shouldn't even be a question. They're at fault, have them replace it with a brand new part. Don't waste your time having it "repaired." You shouldn't have to ask about this.

This is 100% correct they should not have even let you ask us this question. Also they should pay for EVERYTHING do not pay for a penny of it. Make sure you document all of this somewhere if it needs to go to court